Gabriele Marcotti has insisted that it is unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti will replace Louis van Gaal at Manchester United any time soon.
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Speaking to ESPN FC, Marcotti reiterated that Ancelotti is looking to return to management next summer after taking a year off having undergone back surgery.
That in turn creates a problem for the Italian tactician if he does indeed harbour ambitions of taking charge at Old Trafford, as suggested by the Metro, as Van Gaal’s contract with the Red Devils doesn’t expire until after the 2016 season.
As a result, the claim is that Ancelotti will wait until the Dutchman steps down from his position after his deal runs out and will then take up the hot-seat at Old Trafford.
However, the problem is that United are unlikely to be the only side interested in acquiring his services, and given their current position, they risk missing out on the former Chelsea boss as numerous clubs will be looking to make a change this coming summer.
According to the Daily Star, the Blues are amongst that group of interested parties, although it remains to be seen whether or not Jose Mourinho is able to turn things around after a troubled start to the campaign.
United arguably made a mistake by not moving to appoint Ancelotti after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, as the Italian was available but instead moved to Real Madrid.
Having gone through a disappointing spell under David Moyes and with Van Gaal struggling to convince with his style of play which has led to United holding one of the worst goal-scoring records in the Premier League this season, it is unclear as to whether or not the club hierarchy will stick by the Dutchman for another year.
In contrast, it is difficult to ignore the fact that United are in fourth place and just two points adrift of joint league leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, while they are also top of Group B in the Champions League.
While it may not be entirely pleasing on the eye, Van Gaal’s methods are seemingly effective and so it is likely that Marcotti may well be right in suggesting that the chances of Ancelotti taking over next year are slim.
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